This summer, the YogaLean team is privileged to guide an incredibly special individual through a total Mind|Body transformation. Nicole Bradley, 26, has courageously signed on with the discipline, curiosity, and compassion it takes to embark on YogaLean’s Transformational Journey.
With the support of Ayurvedic specialist Kathryn Herbert and Mind|Body|Fitness expert Beth Shaw, Nicole is taking on the inspiring challenge to shift her weight, her outlook, and her relationship to herself, and to video blog about her experiences along the way. Over the next 3 months, we aim to help Nicole shed at least 30 pounds on a personalized dietary regimen and exercise plan that applies the wisdom of yoga and the ancient science of Ayurveda.
Nicole, whose weight peaked at 289lbs several years ago and later plateaued at 253lbs, suffered a number of profound traumas in her early life that forced her to grow up fast.
“My father was in jail for most of life. My mother was murdered when I was 16. I spent a lot of Christmases alone and did a lot of underage drinking to try to make my problems disappear.”
By her mid-teens Nicole was virtually homeless, struggling to finish high school while couch surfing at friends’ houses. By her early 20’s, her troubles had led to a pattern of rapid weight gain and alcohol abuse.
“I felt like I was in a black hole,” she says, “I woke up one day and realized that something had to change.”
Nicole believes her first meeting with Kathryn Herbert, who she befriended by chance in a California Reiki shop, was no coincidence. “Because of all the things I’ve been through, I’ve always relied on faith,” says Nicole, “things like chance meetings happen for a reason. I felt like God was speaking to me the day I met Kathryn.”
That fortuitous day marked the beginning of a deeply meaningful shift for Nicole, who has noticed that the YogaLean Transformational Journey is a healing process on the emotional level as mush as the physical.
“Ever since I met Kathryn, everything has changed. I feel so much stronger and more energetic.”
See more and subscribe YogaFit’s YouTube channel on our YogaLean Transformational Journey playlist.
Already, three weeks into the program, Nicole is enjoying hugely positive changes in her body and personal life thanks to Kathryn and Beth’s personalized wellness plan.
“I know now that the weight came on as a form of protection. It was a way of trying to hide,” she reflects. “I had a slip up on Sunday and caught myself emotional eating. I said, ‘why am I hurting myself? Because I’m angry over something that someone else did? Something that’s not my fault?’ I was being self-destructive.”
Nicole has noticed she has a new ability to recognize these behaviors. “I have a lot more mental clarity since starting this program. I can really see my growth and my changes.” This improved clarity has even made it possible for Nicole to begin repairing her relationship with her father and brother.
“This program is really taking me out of my comfort zone. It’s great because it’s pushing me to take accountability for myself. I’m so grateful for this opportunity!”
It is a difficult journey ahead for Nicole. Progress is not always easy, but with the guidance of Ayurway and YogaLean, her transformation will be a great example of the accomplishments a great support system can help a determined individual achieve. We are so excited about the positive transformations in Nicole’s life, and can’t wait to see what happens next!
Stay tuned for more updates on Nicole’s YogaLean Transformational Journey, and follow her story as she documents her hard work on YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.
